The humanistic-existential model dates back to the 1940s. Carl Rogers is often credited as being the founder of the humanistic perspective (Comer, 2014). Theories using the humanist perspective have an optimistic view of human beings while those using the existential perspective believe that human beings are not naturally driven to live positive lives, but must make and chose to create meaning in one’s life (Comer, 2014). This theory emphasizes that people are able to attain goals beyond thoughts, emotions, and feelings. Goals can include creating meaning and purpose in life through self-awareness, identifying values, and recognizing and acting on the freedom to choose (Comer, 2014). The humanistic model values a client-centered approach where
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This model can be broken down to include the family-social perspective and a multicultural perspective. Family-social theorists believe that both normal and abnormal behavior come from social roles, social networks, the way in which a family is structured, and the way in which the family communicates. The theory approaches the family as an interacting system containing patterns and rules. Dysfunctional families may be enmeshed or disengaged (Comer, 2014). Family therapy is one approach to working within the family systems model. It was first introduced in the 1950s and addresses problem interactions and behaviors of the entire family (Comer, 2014). Family therapy models have changed over the years to adapt to gender issues, racial issues, socioeconomic issues, and cultural adversity (Mones & Schwartz, 2007). Group therapy, couples therapy and community treatment all stem from the family systems model. Multicultural theorists believe that abnormal behavior can be best comprehended when it is viewed in the framework of the person’s individual cultural context (Comer, 2014). Minorities can experience prejudice and discrimination that possibly contributes to abnormal functioning by increasing stress levels and pressures to conform (Comer, 2014). Many minorities do not actively seek out and receive treatment because clinicians are not culturally aware and sensitive to the client’s perspective (Carr & West, 2013). Gender-sensitive therapies are included in the socio-cultural model by focusing on the burdens women experience in a Western society. Therapists working under a socio-cultural model must be effectively trained to act in a sensitive manner toward different cultural issues while incorporating cultural morals into a person’s treatment (Comer, 2014). These therapies strive
This model can be broken down to include the family-social perspective and a multicultural perspective. Family-social theorists believe that both normal and abnormal behavior come from social roles, social networks, the way in which a family is structured, and the way in which the family communicates. The theory approaches the family as an interacting system containing patterns and rules. Dysfunctional families may be enmeshed or disengaged (Comer, 2014). Family therapy is one approach to working within the family systems model. It was first introduced in the 1950s and addresses problem interactions and behaviors of the entire family (Comer, 2014). Family therapy models have changed over the years to adapt to gender issues, racial issues, socioeconomic issues, and cultural adversity (Mones & Schwartz, 2007). Group therapy, couples therapy and community treatment all stem from the family systems model. Multicultural theorists believe that abnormal behavior can be best comprehended when it is viewed in the framework of the person’s individual cultural context (Comer, 2014). Minorities can experience prejudice and discrimination that possibly contributes to abnormal functioning by increasing stress levels and pressures to conform (Comer, 2014). Many minorities do not actively seek out and receive treatment because clinicians are not culturally aware and sensitive to the client’s perspective (Carr & West, 2013). Gender-sensitive therapies are included in the socio-cultural model by focusing on the burdens women experience in a Western society. Therapists working under a socio-cultural model must be effectively trained to act in a sensitive manner toward different cultural issues while incorporating cultural morals into a person’s treatment (Comer, 2014). These therapies strive